By Faith

ByFaith

Transforming Life and Work

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

Having a relationship with God should not only change us and impact how we interact with others, it should also radically alter how we work. The Bible teaches us that if someone has become a Christian, he has become a new creation. The old has passed away; and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). How does a person become new? God gives us new hearts which is where character overflows from. Thus, we are changed from the inside out.

A direct outcome of having a new heart is a complete transformation in how we relate to others. When a person gives his life to the Lord, his character becomes more aligned with who God is. This shift gradually allows a person to display God-like character (or godliness). Kindness, compassion, mercy, love, tenderness, forgiveness, patience and joy begin to exude from the person’s life. God causes the person to bear fruit that is consistent with His own character. Relationships improve. Marriages are enhanced. Family dynamics get better.

After a person surrenders his life to God, his work life should radically change as well. Prior to living for God, we are typically inclined to selfishly live for ourselves. Everything is about us. We live to please ourselves. This can even be reflected in our purposes in, goals for and attitudes about work. Although our reasons for working are multi-faceted, within all the layers is usually a focus on pleasing ourselves.

Yet, the Bible teaches us that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as to the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward” (Colossians 3:23). The verses leading up to this passage address the importance of having healthy relationships with those closest to us. Colossians 3:23 emphasizes our relationship with work and how Christ changes the focus of work. Anything that we do shifts from being about us to being for God.

Whatever we do in life should compel our hearts to work diligently toward glorifying and demonstrating honor to the Lord. We become more motivated in recognizing that people aren’t our emphasis and aim for working and achieving. God’s glory is our aim. He is who we seek to please. He is the one who we work for.

Centering our lives upon Christ comes with great rewards. We are changed inwardly and outwardly. Socially, we relate more positively with the world around us. And we begin to diligently work heartily for the Lord and not for man. Therefore, whether we are working remotely or in the office, our gracious, kind and merciful God should receive our affection, effort, focus and worship as we work. Living with this mindset is a game-changer when we face difficult bosses, challenging co-workers, troublesome employees and seemingly impossible tasks. Especially in hard times, we need to be reminded that we ultimately work for God and not men.

As you think about your life, consider surrendering it to God. He changes everything. He blesses with abundant generosity. He rewards the undeserving. May you be encouraged as you live and labor for His glory. P

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as to the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your

reward.” —Colossians 3:23

The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.